Page:The Children's Plutarch, Romans.djvu/55

 “Yes, neighbors, and I hear that red-hot stones have been seen to fall from the air!”

“These things are terrible! What do they mean?”

“I fear that the Romans will he beaten by the foe from Africa. This man Hannibal is a mighty man of war. He has crossed the Alps; he has marched through Tuscany; nothing seems to stay his course.” So talked a group of people in Rome. Not long afterward a battle was fought, and it is said that fifteen thousand Romans were slain by Hannibal's army, and as many again were taken prisoners.

The awful tidings came to Rome. A magistrate called the people together, and said:

“Romans! we have lost a great battle. Our army is cut to pieces. The consul is killed. Think, therefore, what is to be done to save Rome.”

A sad murmur was heard through the vast crowd. Then voices were heard:

“Fabius! Let Fabius lead us! Let Fabius be made dictator! Fabius shall be our war-lord!”

So Fabius was chosen general of a new Roman army. Do you suppose he went all at once to